Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports

BYU vs Texas: Keys to Victory

Originally posted on The Forkball | By Tyla Wright | Last updated 10/27/23

BYU vs Texas is always an exciting matchup. The last time these two faced off Taysom Hill took to the ground game and beat Texas. This time Texas is ranked number seven in the country and is undefeated at home this season. BYU is coming off a big win over Texas Tech and is looking to keep that momentum coming with an upset over Texas and the freshman quarterback.

BYU

Offense

The Cougars need to come into this game swinging and score first and then not let up. BYU’s run game has sucked all season long and so it’s time to stop trying to fix it and let that be an off-season problem. It’s time to turn to the passing game and trust that to win us games for the rest of the season. Kedon Slovis has to step up and lead this team and not just rely on the defense after the first quarter.

Defense

This BYU Defense has been rocking all season and injuries haven’t stopped them. For them to come out with a win this Saturday they will have to win the turnover game and potentially put some points on the board themselves. Last week they gave too many second chances that the Red Raiders thankfully couldn’t capitalize on but this week Texas will take those and run the whole mile with them. This defense has to stay strong and not give them extra yards or big plays.

Special Teams

The Cougar special teams have to make tackles in the backfield with or without McKenzie. Rehkow has to punt more inside the 20-yard line and not put any into the endzone. Finally, Will Ferrin will have to make every field goal and extra point to keep the Cougars in this game.

Texas

Texas Longhorns are from Austin, Texas and they play in DKR Memorial Stadium. The last matchup was in 2014 in Texas and they lost 41-7.

Offense

Texas will be without Quinn Ewers so Maalik Murphy will start for the Longhorns. This isn’t the only younger player who will see the field for the Longhorns this weekend. Texas’s offense is going to have to stay flawless and not let young player jidders control their emotions.

Defense

This Texas defense is also fighting injuries but that hasn’t stopped them from having near flawless games. They have one of the top defenses in the country and that will be a problem for BYU because the last time they saw a defense this good they lost to Kansas.

This article first appeared on The Forkball and was syndicated with permission.

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